Overview & Reviews

Introduced in the mid-1990s, the front-wheel-drive Ford Windstar minivan campaigned with an emphasis on, and reputation for, safety. And in the hotly contested family minivan market of the time, that was an especially solid piece of ground to be on. As long as buyers didn't need to haul adults in back on a regular basis -- or find it necessary to remove the heavy third-row bench seat from the van often for additional cargo room -- the Windstar generally served a family's needs just fine.

Unfortunately, the Ford Windstar's general reputation for reliability was notably poorer than other competing minivans, particularly those from Honda and Toyota. The van's engine and transmission were particularly troublesome. In addition, we often criticized the Windstar for its noisy engines, poor interior space utilization and floppy handling.

Consequently, we suggest most shoppers take a look at other choices in this segment. But if you are set on getting a used Windstar, we'd at least suggest focusing on the most recent generation and consider opting for an extended warranty, if available.

Most recent Ford Windstar

During its nine years on the market, there were two Ford Windstar generations. The most recent was produced from 1999 to 2003. (Ford renamed it the Freestar for 2004.) The '99 van was completely redesigned to look more modern and sporty while upgrading mechanicals and adding a driver-side sliding door. The second- and third-row seats were now on rollers for easier maneuverability, and up front the instrument panel was reworked for improved ergonomics. There were also upgrades made to the suspension, transmission, brakes and air-conditioning.

Models now included base, LX, SE, SEL and Limited versions. Powering the van was either a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower V6 engine or -- a much more desirable -- 200-hp 3.8-liter V6. In reviews of the Ford Windstar at the time, our editors lauded the 3.8-liter engine for its power but complained that it was noisy under acceleration. We were also unhappy with its disconnected ride and handling, poor interior space utilization and weak reputation for reliability. Positive attributes included a plethora of convenience and safety features and top-notch crash test scores.

If we were shopping used Windstars, this new-and-improved second-generation version is as far back as we'd go. There were a few updates made through the years. The most significant of these were standard power-adjustable pedals, an optional rear-seat video entertainment system for 2000, the switch to the 3.8-liter engine as standard for all models in 2001 and the availability of safety-enhancing AdvanceTrac stability control for 2003.

Past Ford Windstar models

Ford introduced the front-wheel-drive Windstar in 1995 to replace its outgoing Aerostar rear-drive minivan. The new Windstar featured an extensive list of standard equipment, including dual airbags, antilock brakes, a four-speed automatic transmission and V6 power. Inside was seating for seven, including a unique integrated child seat.

The Windstar's only available engine was a 3.8-liter V6 which produced just 155 hp, but a more generous 220 pound-feet of low-end torque. Only a base GL model was available, but a more luxurious LX trim level was added in 1996 when a 3.0-liter 150-horsepower Vulcan V6 was made standard and an upgraded 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 200 horses was optional. That year also saw four-wheel disc brakes fitted on vehicles equipped with traction control or the towing package. In 1998 -- the final year of its first generation -- the Windstar's driver's door was widened as a stop-gap measure to help access to the second row until the completely redesigned Windstar arrived a year later with a fourth door.

User Reviews:

• 

  Ripped Off! - 1998 Ford Windstar
  By Ripped Off - June 8 - 4:40 pm

  We bought our Windstar as an upgrade from a Honda Accord, only because thats all that we could get financed for, unfortunately! From day one, the "door ajar" arlam constantly goes off and the dome lights dont turn off. No mechanic can seem to figure out how to fix the door ajar problem. Weve had a "clunk" sound coming from the front end since day one as well, we cant find the problem. The AC cuts out all the time, our brakes squeel even when brand new....We paid a little over $9200 for this vehicle and will never buy another Ford again!This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned!

• 

  Whatever - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Familyman - June 3 - 1:58 am

  Has 80,000mi now. Owned since it had 35,000. A lifter spring broke at idle in a drive through at about 45,000. Gets 13.6mpg in town. Paint flaking off and cracking on its own, terrible. Had the recalls fixed. Both auto front door locks need a new actuator. Engine was pinging with eng light on so had to have intake pulled and cleaned due to clogged egr passages thanks to poor valve cover design in which I also had to buy the new type. Rear side defogger quit working. Interior lights used to come on on thier own. Replaced rear shocks. For the money I cant complain as all vehicles have their problems. Who knows what the previous owners put it through. Id still drive it cross country if need be.

• 

  Not bad - could be better - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Howard - May 21 - 1:46 pm

  Bought this car used in 2001. Have had only minor repair issues. Engine is powerful even when fully loaded and has been flawless. Great for hauling people, not stuff. Back seats dont fold down for additional storage room. They just sit there like lumps on a log. Not the nimblest at handling either.

• 

  Better than Expected - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By flin1 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van mainly because it had been sitting on the dealers lot for around a year and we got a great price on it. Id driven a rental Windstar and liked it and my wife thought we needed a van for our 5 person family. Weve had good luck with Fords and this was no different. It is surprisingly quiet, and smooth riding. The base engine gives pretty good power and also pretty good mileage. The dealer service has been excellent on a few minor problems, radio and a minor paint problem.

• 

  transmission - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By falibota - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Had to replace the transmission at 40000 miles at my cost. Less than 3 yrs. old, no help from ford or dealer. Transmission was making noise from day one, dealer convinced me that was normal. 3 nhtsa were issued for that problem, still no help.

• 

  \ - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Lynda - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Ford Windstar was my first new car.. always bought used before..The worst purchase of my life!! It has been in for 12 recalls, cruise control stopped working at 30,000.. Transmission "surges" and dealer says its normal..sure... Ive spent more time in the dealership waiting for my car that all of my other used car purchases before! Ford is the worst company.. I used to have Oldsmobiles before and was treated like a queen.. Ford sees that I dont drive a Lincoln, so too bad for me.. Going to trade my Windstar in for a Reliable non-Ford auto!!I tell everyone I meet to not buy a Ford...

• 

  Great family van - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Sherri - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my mini. I have owned it for over two years now and have never experienced any problems. I love to pack my family in for fun times. Its roomy hatch area is great for groceries. I find it great on gas and quite reliable. A good choice.

• 

  2000 Windstar SEL - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By nystockpicker - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle overall...Poor gas mileage.

• 

  Ford Let Us Down. - 1999 Ford Windstar
  By Martha - April 23 - 6:24 pm

  I love the body of this minivan. It is comfortable and has plenty of room! It is a great car to drive. Now that said mechanically it stinks. Ford knows all about this vehicles problems, O ring failure, transmission failure, O2 sensors failure, door sensor failure, driver side door lock failure and on and on. If we knew then what we know now we would never have bought this car. Fortunately we bought it used and still have not spent up to the new price. We put over $5,000 in repairs into this car over 6 years. I will think twice before I risk another Ford purchase.

• 

  It beats the bus - 2003 Ford Windstar
  By big-b - April 22 - 1:24 am

  I went from a 1998 to a 2003. I like everything about it except that the engine is very noisy at low speeds. The dashboard display is a it distracting too.